Here's where you'll be able to find the Black Iowa Newspaper
You heard it here first. Delivery of the Black Iowa Newspaper is scheduled to begin the week of June 12. Here's where you can grab a free copy.
I began thinking about developing a newspaper last fall after I began Zoom meetings with a group of Black newspaper publishers from around the country. It seems odd, I know, given industry declines and the fact I began publishing on a digital platform in 2020. But every week, I’d listen to the accomplished publishers discuss the stories they were working on, their goals and needs and the history of the Black Press.
Certainly, I’d grown up reading the Iowa Bystander in my formative years.
Then, I had the opportunity to work on a Voter Guide Project with the American Press Institute. During midterms, I developed and mailed an 8-page voter guide to more than 8,000 primarily Black households in Des Moines.
And, being a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative put me in proximity to storied Iowa newspaper publishers.
The signs were everywhere: I’m being led to use every talent, gift and skill God gave me, and my family and community nurtured within me — to make this quarterly newspaper happen for Black Iowans. And, the timing couldn’t be more apropos when you factor in our current political climate and the conditions of Black people in this state and country.
Thankfully, advertisers and supporters came forward, and I worked harder than ever before. Now, the 24-page Black Iowa Newspaper, which is free, is set to launch in the coming weeks, and I will deliver the newspaper to a dozen or more cities around the state . 🙌🏾📰 I am beyond excited — and thankful to everyone who assisted.
Here are distribution locations for the Black Iowa Newspaper:
Cedar Rapids
African American Museum of Iowa
Creston
Hot Air Brewing
Des Moines
A List Studios
Paparazzi Hair Studio
Clippernomics
Platinum Signature Barbershop
Platinum South
Platinum Kutz
Tru All American Barbershop
Avenue B
Des Moines Catholic Worker House
Love Vegas Lingerie
Ladie Lex Scented Candles Candles
Mainframe Studios: Sankofa Literacy and Empowerment Group Jill Wells Art
Mindful Mental Health Counseling
Indianola
Simpson College
Mount Vernon
Pending
Ottumwa
Pending
Waterloo
Pending
West Burlington
Beurico Beauty Supply & Boutique
West Des Moines
Pots & Shots
West Des Moines Community Center
If you have a business, organization or nonprofit and would like to become a distribution site for the Black Iowa Newspaper, please email me at dana@blackiowanews.com.
If you would like a mailed copy, email dana@blackiowanews.com for subscription information.
Fantastic! I shared this with an Iowa City business, which I hope can become a distributor.
Dana—Best wishes on the launch!